[zabak80]

Hi, two quick questions. I have a HOB filter for my 20 gal. I would like to start using a sponge for the filter medium but am unsure as to what type to get. Natural or synthetic? How big? Any brands?

Also, I will soon be starting the DIY C02 that was posted on here. What type of difusor will be good, where can I get one and what should I look for in it? Also, where in the tank should it be placed? I heard by the filter intake?

 

[Rex Grigg]

I was unaware that you could get a natural sponge for a filter. What brand filter is it?

 

[zabak80]

Well, I was just going to cut it to size.

I thought when people referred to sponges they meant non-specific to the filter sponge.

 

[Rex Grigg]

All current filter sponges are made of synthetic materials. A natural sponge would most likely clog quicker due to the smaller pore size.

 

[EdTheEdge]

Some sponges are treated with antibacterial chemicals. Do not - I repeat - DO NOT use them in your aquarium. I've read many a horror story from people who have used store bought sponges to clean algea in the aqaurium. I don't 'spect that using them in you filter would be any better.

 

[Blacksunshine]

yeah if you want cheap filter media just get a pack of the "rite size" filter pad and cut it to size.

 

[zabak80]

What about Co2 placement?

 

[Chrona]

What about Co2 placement?

My ghetto setup just involved drilling a hole into the intake tube below the water line and sticking the air tubing right in it. The impeller chops it up, and 20-30 bubbles per minute was enough to hit 30ppm CO2 in a 10g. People say the cavitations ruin the motor or something but I never had any issues. It was a Whisper 10. I do get more CO2 into the water via a glass diffuser put under the intake now though.

 

[zabak80]

Where is a good place, widely available to get a diffuser that would work?

Like at Petco or Petsmart? What should I look for? What brand or size?

 

[Blacksunshine]

What I'm doing is using the ventrui inlet on the flow adjustment on my xp1. and in the spraybar I have filterpad. diffuses pretty well.

 

[Rex Grigg]

Where is a good place, widely available to get a diffuser that would work?

Like at Petco or Petsmart? What should I look for? What brand or size?

Neither one will carry a CO2 diffuser. Actutally that's not exactly true. You might stumble across a Hagen Ladder if you are extremely lucky.

 

[eklikewhoa]

Yeah I have seen hagen ladders or was it some other type....either way neither of those places will cater much to the planted tank other then some laterite and non-aquatic plants.

 

[Chrona]

Best bet is the swap and shop section of the forum actually, or ebay. You can get a nice glass diffuser for 10-20 bucks.

 

[zabak80]

Out of curiousity, how does a diffuser work? How does it differ from an airstone?

"What I'm doing is using the ventrui inlet on the flow adjustment on my xp1. and in the spraybar I have filterpad. diffuses pretty well."

Way over my head. Could someone please explain?

 

[Chrona]

Out of curiousity, how does a diffuser work? How does it differ from an airstone?

"What I'm doing is using the ventrui inlet on the flow adjustment on my xp1. and in the spraybar I have filterpad. diffuses pretty well."

Way over my head. Could someone please explain?

A glass diffuser has a diffuser plate that is significantly finer than most airstones. Plus, because the plate is horizontal, the path of the bubble steam is predictable. I tried using an airstone feeding the HOB filter, but various pores would clog up and the stream would start coming out of the other side of the airstone all of the sudden and not go into the filter.


He has a canister filter and is injecting it into the intake (through a venturi) and the output as well.

 

[zabak80]

Would something like this work?

http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...177038440067&itemNo=14&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2